Abu Dhabi welcomes more than 3.5 million hotel guests this year

The opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island on November 11 is expected to draw in more tourists. Picture: Mohamed Somji.

Hotel guests to all three regions of Abu Dhabi increased in total by 5%, with 415,985 domestic and international visitors checking in to one of the emirate’s 163 hotels or hotel apartments.

Figures released by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi recorded increases for hotel guests during the month of 14% in the Al Dhafra Region, 8% in the Al Ain Region and 4% in Abu Dhabi city with a total occupancy rate of 69%. Guest nights also increased by 15%, 6% and 5% respectively.

In addition, with immense global interest being shown in the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island on November 11, the Department is forecasting a strong end to the year.

HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, said they have invested alot in marketing globally.

“Our strategy is to highlight that Abu Dhabi has a wealth of natural and man-made attractions across all regions to entertain and excite the whole family while providing luxurious yet affordable choices of accommodation,” said Ghobash.

The new 2017/18 cruise season, which launched towards the end of October, is also expected to have a positive impact on visitor and hotel guest arrivals into the emirate during the last quarter of the year with passenger numbers anticipated to rise 5% from last season’s total of 346,000 passengers.